Chapter 94: The Crimson Aftermath
Dawnriver City basked in a fragile yet radiant peace,
the cobblestone streets gleaming under the soft, golden light of the late afternoon sun,
the air filled with the rich, earthy scent of blooming lotus
and the steady hum of rebuilding efforts that echoed through the revitalized streets.
The war's scars—patched walls and makeshift shelters—
faded into a backdrop of renewal,
the rhythmic clatter of hammers and the lively chatter of returning citizens
painting a picture of resilience against the recent turmoil.
Bai Ningxue, her 1st Layer Profound Heavenly Realm aura shimmering with newfound strength,
felt a surge within her core as she advanced to the 2nd Layer,
the trials of the tomb resolving her duty with a quiet clarity.
She stood by a cleansed fountain, her hands weaving Thousand Lotus Seal Art,
the seals shimmering like a gentle tide as they purified a lingering qi trace.
"This realm will thrive—I'll guide it toward balance,"
she vowed, her voice calm yet resolute,
her presence a beacon of hope as she turned to the bustling city.
"I owe it to everyone who fought—let's make it a home again."
Lin Xuan, at the 1st Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
walked among the rebuilding efforts,
his crimson eyes clouded with a hidden shock,
the ritual's toll and the tower's integration weighing on his mind.
The unfamiliar energy pulsed within him, a silent drumbeat,
and he masked it with a forced steadiness,
wiping sweat from his brow as he nodded to passing workers.
"I need to figure this out—can't let it show yet,"
he murmured to himself, his voice low and introspective,
his steps slowing as he processed the burden.
Liu Yue, her 1st Layer Profound Heavenly Realm qi robust,
joined Liu Yang, his 1st Layer Qi Transformation qi steady,
and Ji Yunjing, at the 5th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
in celebrating the victory amidst the city's renewal.
Liu Yue's snowflake mark glowed faintly as she oversaw a group of builders,
her moonlight eyes warm with pride.
"Look at this—Dawnriver's coming back to life,"
she said, a smile breaking through her usual composure.
Liu Yang, twirling his blood-forged glaive with a youthful grin,
added, "Yeah, Elder Sister—we did that! Feels good."
Ji Yunjing, his silk robes rustling as he surveyed the scene,
raised his voice with a regal tone.
"Rise anew, Dawnriver—your strength is our pride!"
he declared, his brow smoothing with a rare satisfaction,
the air filling with the clink of tools and the cheers of the people.
After the tomb was completely sealed,
Ji Yunjing hosted a grand ceremony in the royal plaza,
the air rich with the scent of incense and the soft murmur of celebration.
Guards in polished armor bowed as the team stepped forward,
the crowd's applause rising like a wave.
"You've given us a future—thank you,"
Ji Yunjing said, his voice carrying over the plaza,
before inviting Lin Xuan, Liu Yue, Liu Yang, and Bai Ningxue
to his private chamber later that evening.
The chamber glowed with the warm light of qi lanterns,
the air heavy with a sense of gratitude and quiet tension.
Ji Yunjing poured tea, his movements deliberate,
and looked at Lin Xuan with a thoughtful gaze.
"Your courage saved us all—thank you, truly.
But I've wondered… why did you choose to become a demonic cultivator?"
Lin Xuan paused, setting his cup down,
his voice steady despite the turmoil within.
"I believe there's no righteous or demonic path—
only the path of strength. Humans made those labels.
You can't judge by cultivation—neither all righteous are good,
nor all demonic are evil. It's about what we do with the power."
A silence fell,
Liu Yue nodding slowly, her eyes reflecting understanding.
"That… makes sense, Senior Brother. It's about intent."
Liu Yang scratched his head, grinning awkwardly.
"Uh, yeah, I guess that's deep. As long as you're on our side!"
Bai Ningxue smiled softly, her seals shimmering faintly.
"A balanced view—perhaps that's the key to our future."
Ji Yunjing leaned back, his expression thoughtful.
"You've given me much to consider. For now, rest—
you've earned it."
The aftermath stretched into the night,
the air lightening with the scent of tea and the hum of reflection,
the team finding solace in their bond.
Lin Xuan rose, his breath steady but his eyes guarded.
"We've won peace—let's guard it well."
Liu Yue stood beside him, her resolve firm.
"Together, Senior Brother, we will."
The chamber buzzed with the soft clink of cups
and the murmur of philosophical exchange,
the crimson aftermath a foundation for growth,
the strain of Lin Xuan's secret a silent undercurrent.